As Valentine’s Day has come and gone, you’ve probably been thinking about your relationships with loved ones. Perhaps you sent flowers and candy to your significant other. Maybe a parent sent you a card, or a distant relative sent a text or gave you a call. Maybe you spent the day with friends. Or perhaps you spent Valentine’s Day trying to forget all that is associated with Valentine’s Day, and were hiding in your room under the covers.
I’ve been through every kind of Valentine’s Day myself. I started out liking Valentine’s Day as a child in elementary school, receiving a full box of cards and candies from fellow students. Then, as I got older, I hated Valentine’s Day and the fact that it seemed to mean that every teenager got all smoochy-smoochy in the hallways at school. I hated it more and more as each Valentine’s Day, all of the people around me were part of a couple, happy to spend it with their Valentine and spreading it all over Facebook about how happy they were. And there I was, alone and consuming more and more chocolate.
Then I got married, and Valentine’s Day changed for me, but not in the way that you may expect. I realized that Valentine’s Day for married couples should be celebrated every day. You should always “love on” your spouse. Give flowers and candy randomly throughout the year. Kiss and hug each other often. Help with chores. Ask them how their day has gone, and really listen to what they say—don’t just be waiting for your turn to speak. Plan fun things to do together. These are all the things that keep not only the romance alive, but also the knowledge that your spouse is deeply loved.
But guess what? I also realized that Valentine’s Day is not just about romantic love. You’ve probably heard that too, but do you believe it? Valentine’s Day is all about love. Yes, love. And there are many different kinds of love. Romantic love is just one of the types. Showing love to your family and friends should also be something you do each day. As cheesy as it sounds, Valentine's Day should be celebrated each day for any kind of relationship because everyone deserved to be shown that they are loved.
What I enjoy about Valentine’s Day as a married person compared to when I was single and alone is the knowledge that I am loved. The thing is, I have always been loved, I just didn’t feel like I was.
Valentine’s Day will come and go each year. But whether you are single or married, surrounded by family and friends or alone under your covers—remember that you are loved by the One who created you. And that is reason enough to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
